LATEST NEWS |

We are so proud of our Executive Director Elise!
January 30, 2018 Volunteer Dorothy DeLong

In the News

Elise Chesson has High Hopes for Family Promise of Berks County
by Susan Shelly

“Elise Chesson firmly believes that caring for those who have the least is a strategy that, in the long run, strengthens communities and makes everyone better off….. If we come together and embrace our differences, and recognize all the wealth and resources that we have, right here, that’s the point that this area will start to turn around. And that’s something everyone would benefit from.”

Read the rest of Family Promise of Berks and Executive Director Elise Chesson’s recent feature in Women2Women‘s “Women2Know” Winter 2018 Magazine.

Great Things Are Happening
December 6, 2017 Volunteer Dorothy DeLong

As we all gear up for the holiday season, we wanted to share what we are most thankful for.

We are grateful for you!

Without the support we get from the community, congregations, volunteers, foundations, businesses and individuals we partner with our work would not be possible. Your generosity has impacted countless families.

New life is being brought to every corner of Family Promise of Berks. We are excited for what’s been happening over the past few months and thrilled for what is to come.

Friendsgiving Potluck

The Board of Directors, staff & families shared a meal and decorated the Day Center for the holidays. Thanks to everyone who attended the potluck, it was magical. The time and energy given helped make it a memorable and delicious potluck. It is so important to connect with

one another and sometimes that is done best by breaking bread. It was wonderful to watch everyone decorate the tree, share stories and enjoy themselves. Everyone deserves to be uplifted and surrounded by beauty. You have helped bring warmth and light to the Day Center and those who walk through our doors looking for a glimpse of hope. Small things can brighten a day. For that and more, we thank you for your continued commitment to Family Promise and the community we serve together.

Thanks to our Board President Dorothy DeLong and her friend Jan Knudsen for the hours spent on our new Photo Wall of Fame!

Thanks to Tina Shenk of Tina’s Salon ! We truly appreciate your generosity. Your substantial donation of furniture, chairs and art work have helped create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

A Celebration of Thanks

Incoming coordinators George & Brenda Bauer organized a surprise potluck to thank Wayne & Linda Weikel for over a decade of service as dedicated coordinators of West Lawn United Methodist Church.

Thanks for giving so generously for all of these years! You have changed countless lives!

Eagle Scouts Paint Day Center

A BIG THANKS to Eagle Scout Michael McClatchie and his troop who worked hard to paint our Day Center and build us a new Community Resource Board! It looks great!

Congratulations on Your Graduation

Rosalinda and her two children recently graduated from the program into their own home. She gives thanks to the many groups who donate welcome baskets to our families!

Coordinators at Immanuel UCC Host a Thanksgiving Feast

A big Thanks to coordinators Kasey, Sue and Suzie for the long hours and abundant generosity! Without individuals like you, our work would not be possible.

We Hired New Case Managers

We are thrilled to add two new case managers to the team. Darrius Palmer will serve homeless youth for our U-Turn Program and Tracey Reichert will serve the families in the Hospitality Network. They have both hit the ground running and are bringing fresh energy to Family Promise of Berks.

1 Year on our Team!

Tara Castro has been a part time case manager for our Rent & Utility Assistance Program for 1 year now! She describes her time with Family Promise as a true blessing. “I have always enjoyed helping people of all walks of life.”

She recently started a home health care business on top of the hard work she does with us to help support her grandchildren. “Whether it’s helping people with their finances, health or wellbeing. I have a passion to help. Little did I know that my business (Hudson’s Helping Hands Home Care) could also be a blessing to the families we serve.”

Two of our families have recently been hired as home aids. Both excel in their positions with rave reviews from their clients.

“It’s a wonderful feeling and an honor to being able to help beyond my role as a case manager.”

Thanks for your service Tara!

Our Community Gives Back to Family Promise of Berks

#CardboardVillage was a great success! This event raised awareness on issues surrounding youth homelessness & community based opportunities in response. We wish to thank all of the youth who attended and generously helped raise over $1000 for our U-Turn Program. We are truly grateful to Atonement Lutheran Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County, St. Daniel’s Lutheran Church, Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Immanuel UCC for their collaborative efforts in organizing such a meaningful event!
Local youth spend the night outside in cardboard boxes

Thanks to The L.O.V.E. Team of West Reading, Tina’s Salon & Day Spa, The Neag Planetarium team, Curious on The Avenue, all the shops, restaurants & everyone who made Giving Goes Glam a success!
West Reading Fashion Show Raises Money for Family Promise of Berks

We wish to thank everyone who played a role in the success of Taste of Hope 2017. You helped Family Promise of Berks raise nearly $38,000. That is something to celebrate! This gala would not have been possible without the support of a community that commits time, compassion and generously gives to us year-round. We cannot express enough thanks for the impact this has made for those we serve.
Pictures of the event

Reading-based Family Promise of Berks County honors hotel executive, an agency volunteer

We have been on TV!
February 9, 2017 Volunteer Dorothy DeLong

Our U-Turn program was recently featured in a two-part story on WFMZ Channel 69 about the hidden problem of homeless teens. We are so proud of these teens that are making it on their own now! Watch it here! PART 1 PART 2

Family Promise said: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
May 23, 2016 Volunteer Dorothy DeLong

Family Promise has been serving homeless families in Berks County since 2006! Thanks to the many communities of faith that regularly share their facilities and the volunteers who are willing to share their gifts of time and treasure by serving as overnight hosts and providing meals and hospitality to our guests, we have offered hope to many families and strengthened our community.

We had a wonderful Pastor and Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast in the picnic pavilion at Schwarzwald Lutheran Church on a lovely June morning. About 100 folks who have volunteered with Family Promise over the years attended. We shared stories and statistics that helped remind us that this is important work we are doing together! We are making a difference in the lives of the families we touch. Some coordinators and pastors shared how this program has made a difference to them and their sense of ministry. Five of our graduate and current families shared their stories. One former guest said she did not know what a family was supposed to be like until she experienced the respect and caring of the many volunteers. Another former guest is soon ready to graduate from Bloomsburg. Another family is finally able to have all their children living together in their own place. It was inspiring to hear of their successes! We thank God for all of the volunteers that make this success possible!

Recycled Rides
October 20, 2015 Volunteer Dorothy DeLong

Recycled Rides is a unique program in which insurers, collision repairers, paint suppliers, parts vendors and others collaborate to repair and donate vehicles to deserving individuals and service organizations in local communities throughout the country.

Almost 1,000 vehicles have been donated through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program since its inception in 2007. Thanks to the efforts of many NABC members, the program’s ripple effect has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of individuals who have received vehicles or benefited through the services provided by nonprofit organizations who have been recipients of Recycled Rides.

To date, three graduates of Family Promise of Berks County have been recipients of vehicles through this wonderful program.

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In the News

United Way Supported Services: The U-Turn program serves homeless teens and young adults up to age 24 with advocacy, case management, shelter, permanent housing and a Drop-In Center.